Hello, Tuesday.

☀️ Weather: Sunny. High 72. Low 45.

🎉 Happy birthday to our member Roy Weinberger!

🇺🇸 A quick programming note: We're off tomorrow in observance of Veterans Day. To all veterans, thank you for your service. We'll see you Thursday.

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Today’s newsletter is 1,082 words — a 4-minute read.

Charlotte City Council approved a new Airline Use and Lease Agreement (AULA) for Charlotte Douglas International Airport and its signatory airlines.

Why it matters: The new deal, which begins on Jan. 1, 2027, keeps the signatory airlines around for the next 10 and a half years and allows for a five-year extension. CLT's signatory airlines are American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest and United.

Driving the news: Council approved the AULA Monday night in an 8-2 vote. Council members JD Mazuera Arias and Reneé Perkins Johnson voted against it.

• More than 50 people signed up to speak to address council.

The other side: But the people who told council members they "keep the airport running" said they don't feel seen or heard. They asked council to delay their vote on the AULA.

• State law does not allow the city to intervene in subcontractor pay. "We've gotta take this fight to Raleigh," Council member LaWana Mayfield said.

The big picture: The AULA also kickstarts a $2.1 billion capital development project called CLT Beyond. Part of this project is a Concourse C expansion, including gates and a passenger tunnel connecting these new gates to the main terminal.

• See the full lineup for CLT Beyond here.

Between the lines: CLT, while owned by the city, is a financially self-sustaining entity. Local income or property taxes don't fund airport projects. City council did not negotiate the new AULA, but did have to approve on the deal.

Keep reading

Mecklenburg County collected about $27.5 million in the first effective month of its new 1-cent sales tax for transit and road projects, records show.

Why it matters: The month of July was the first test of whether Mecklenburg's pitch to collect $19.4 billion over 30 years might hold up, and CATS is already beginning to spend the money to roll out new services.

Reality check: While pushing for the referendum, city officials boasted the tax would generate $345 million per year, nearly $29 million a month.

• That puts July's collection about $1 million short of projections.

State of play: July is likely a strong case study of what the average monthly intake could look like. It's not necessarily one of the best or worst months for spending. Really, it's somewhere in the middle.

• We could see a boom around the holidays when shoppers are buying clothes and electronics, and a slowdown in January when people are trying to save.

The big picture: Some Charlotte transit riders have already benefited from the new revenue. CATS launched its $2.20 Uber-like microtransit service in west Charlotte, and popular bus routes like Routes 9 and 5 are running more frequently.

• The Red Line commuter rail design has passed the 15% milestone, and the designers are working toward 30% completion.

By the numbers: Of the roughly $27.5 million collected, the county distributed $16.5 million (60%) to the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority for bus and rail projects in October.

The other $11 million was disbursed based on street miles and population.

• Here's how much each town and city received

A record 13,250 people will participate in the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon across the marathon, half marathon and 5K on Saturday.

Why it matters: Running has surged in popularity since the pandemic. Even if you aren't running one of the race distances this weekend, you probably know someone who is.

By the numbers: More than 9,000 additional runners will participate in this year's Novant Health Charlotte Marathon compared with 2021.

Zoom in: Be mindful of road closures on Saturday.

• See course maps here and turn-by-turn instructions and road closures here.

Context: The Charlotte Sports Foundation (CSF) acquired the rights to the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon earlier this year.

What runners should expect

A fuel spill happened in Elizabeth on Nov. 7 at Atrium Health Mercy hospital on Vail Avenue. Cleanup of the spill is ongoing. (WBTV)

State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson was in Charlotte last week to reopen the I-77 community engagement center on West Morehead Street. (WFAE)

The Truist Championship generated $132.8 million in economic impact earlier this year, a new PGA Tour-commissioned study shows. (CBJ)

Spectrum Center has recently upgraded its WiFi to WiFi7, meaning faster speed and more coverage, according to Hornets Sports & Entertainment. The arena is the first in the NBA to have this technology from Spectrum.

The Southern Christmas Show is back at The Park Expo and Conference Center Nov. 11-22 for its 59th year.

What to expect: This year's theme is "Sounds of Christmas," with live music, festive displays and more than 400 vendors selling everything from pet gifts and clothing to holiday treats, handmade goods and, of course, ornaments.

Pro tips: Plan to spend at least half a day to explore and shop. If you're on a mission, you can knock out a good chunk of your Christmas shopping in one trip.

• Come hungry. The mini donuts and Bavarian roasted nuts are must-tries — so are the wine tastings if that's your thing!
• For something heartier, go to the Central Lobby for BBQ, sandwiches and more.

If you go: Adult tickets start at $21 on weekdays and $24 on weekends. Kids ages 6-12 are $13. Children 5 and under are free.

• Girls Night Out is Friday, Nov. 20, from 4-9pm. Admission is $15 at the door.
• Opening day (Veterans Day) includes special perks and resources for veterans.

Stop by: 800 Briar Creek Road

• Open Sunday-Wednesday, 10am-6pm, and Thursday-Saturday, 10am-9pm. Opening day runs 10am-9pm.

Check out the vendor list and more show details

😋 Alex ate so much yummy food at Blasian Asian Way in Camp North End this weekend.

🥪 McKenzie's new favorite sandwich is "The Big Dill" at Daybreaker.

🛒 Ashley wants to know how early you start shopping for Thanksgiving groceries.

🍕 Alexis is still thinking about the rosemary pie she tried at Pizza Baby West.

🐶 Melissa, who edited this newsletter, had fun at the Dog Bar's grand reopening the other day.